There are many options available to consumers who are seeking to save money and reduce their environmental impact through solar technology. These now include most (if not all) major home appliances, outdoor lighting & pool equipment, and even solar-powered charging stations for an electric vehicle (EV).

Solar Energy Charging for Your EV

For solar adopters who already own or are considering purchasing an electric vehicle over the life of their solar energy system, solar vehicle charging is a smart addition to a solar home. As electric vehicles continue to become more popular, available, and affordable, it’s definitely an option worth considering.

Most consumers who purchase an electric vehicle do so in part to avoid the consumption of fossil fuels. However, an electric vehicle charged from the utility grid is still indirectly powered by fossil fuels! But that’s only one reason why solar charging compliments EVs so well. Not only does solar vehicle charging cost much less than drawing your EV’s power from the grid, it also avoids installation costs associated with your electric vehicle setup.

As SolarMax notes, “the solar power you produce from your home’s solar energy system is much less expensive than using grid power.” Therefore, “the equation is simple: Having solar + electric vehicle = maximum energy savings.” Solar charging isn’t just less expensive, it also provides a much faster charge than the standard 120V cable that comes with most electric vehicles. Many consumers choose to pay extra for a 240V cable, which requires an expensive circuit upgrade at your charging station.

So instead, why not include solar vehicle charging in your solar plans? A solar energy inverter with built-in EV charging functions can provide for your charging needs now or in the future, ensuring fast and cost-effective EV charging.

Preparing for Solar + EV Charging

There are certain system requirements and sizing questions that must be taken into account when building a solar energy system that includes EV charging, or when adding EV capabilities to your existing solar technology. Luckily, the team at Solar Design Studio is able to help consumers design a system that meets their unique needs and select from an array of EV charging products to identify the best available options.

This process begins with using the EPA’s fuel economy rating for a chosen vehicle or range of vehicles to determine the “extra” amount of energy beyond typical household needs that your EV will require. Your system is then sized to ensure that your energy needs are met, and can include options for battery storage as well (a smart choice for EV owners in particular).

Everything Solar: Solar EV Charging

Solar Design Studio is excited to offer solar EV charging products and system design services as part of our Everything Solar strategy. We take every aspect of your home energy needs into account in order to maximize your savings and the return on your investment in solar technology. We also include available incentives in our property analysis, allowing you to take even further steps to maximize your ROI.

Whether your initial plans include EV charging or not, we’ll size a system that can be adapted to meet your future needs. Our experience and expertise include single-family and multi-unit residential buildings, commercial buildings, and industrial facilities.

To learn more about Everything Solar and EV charging options, contact us today!

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